The BBC TV licence fee is set to climb from £169.50 to £174.50 next month, with increases anticipated annually in line with inflation until 2027, when the UK Government will reassess the charter. Amid a trend where households are increasingly turning to streaming platforms and on-demand services, the UK Government has disclosed it remains open to considering alternative futures for the annual fee.
The possibility of a streaming service-specific TV licence hasn’t been discounted by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Liberal Democrat MP Mike Martin prompted these remarks with his enquiry about discussions pertaining to a TV Licence for exclusive users of streaming services.
In her response last week, DCMS Minister Stephanie Peacock wrote: “The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and firmly believes that the unique obligations placed on the BBC demand continued, sustainable public funding to support its vital work.”
Peacock further noted: “There are a range of alternatives and we are thinking creatively about options for the future, to ensure we future-proof our national broadcaster for many years to come. The Government will be taking forward the question of how the BBC is funded as part of the Charter Review process.”
A radical overhaul like this could mean that individuals who prefer streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Apple TV, Paramount Plus or Hulu over traditional TV channels might face a new licence fee being introduced – or proposed – when the Charter is reviewed in two years’ time. The UK Government will utilise the review of the BBC’s Royal Charter in 2007, which will include a public consultation, to contemplate funding options to support the broadcaster’s long-term future, reports the Daily Record.
Who needs to buy a TV licence?
A TV licence is currently required to watch or record any programmes which are being broadasted live or on television. It is also needed for watching or streaming live programming on services such as BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
You can verify if you require a TV licence on the TV Licensing website here.
How can you pay for a TV licence?
A TV licence currently costs £169.50 (rising to £174.50 in April). You have the option to pay it all at once, or:
- Pay by monthly Direct Debit – from £14 per month
- Pay less for your licence if you’re over 75 on Pension Credit, registered blind, or live in a care home
- Pay by quarterly Direct Debit – it currently works out at around £44 per payment
- Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly with a TV Licensing payment card (from £6.50 per week) – once the card is set up you can pay online, through the TV Licensing app, by phone, text message or at any PayPoint
Can I get a discount?
Certain groups are entitled to TV licence discounts such as those residing in care homes, who could receive it for free or pay a reduced amount if they are part of an Accommodation for Residential Care scheme.
People who are registered blind are entitled to a half price TV Licence (£84.75) and may be eligible for a refund on payments made in previous years – if they have been the registered TV licence holder. .
Free TV Licence for over-75s
If you already receive Pension Credit, you can apply for your free over-75 TV Licence when you are 74 years old. TV Licensing will update your payments to cover you until your 75th birthday, at which point you’ll then be covered by your free licence.
They will confirm this in writing.
If you believe you qualify for a free licence but don’t currently possess a TV licence, ring 0300 790 6117 and speak to an advisor to request an application form. The lines are open from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6.30pm.